OUR RECENT UPDATES

He could not fight, and yet he fought His sacrifice was not for naught. He bravely yielded up his life A hero’s gift midst raging strife.   This #RemembranceDay, HMDT Music is reflecting on the service and sacrifice made by those who give
He could not fight, and yet he fought His sacrifice was not for naught. He bravely yielded up his life A hero’s gift midst raging strife.   This #RemembranceDay, HMDT Music is reflecting on the service and sacrifice made by those who give their lives in wars across the world to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today.   Between 2014-2018, Trench Brothers our national schools project which commemorates the achievements and contributions made by Indian Army, British West Indies Regiment, and black British soldiers during the First World War, reached over 50 schools across England. It offered object handling, costumed interpreter, puppet making and composition workshops alongside our extensive Education Zone of 90 lesson plans and activities in preparation for the opportunity to perform a specially commissioned music theatre work by composers Julian Joseph and Richard Taylor and librettist Tertia Sefton-Green. In 2017 the Trench Brother Exhibition was launched in Lancashire museums supported by interactive events. In 2018, Trench Brothers culminated in large-scale performances at the Brighton Dome and the National Memorial Arboretum.   The Trench Brothers project lives on today with our interactive workshops for KS1, KS2 and KS3 students which bring the First World War to life through handling artefacts and memorabilia or meeting a uniformed Sepoy.   To learn more about our Trench Brothers project, or to arrange a workshop for your school, visit https://www.hmdt.org.uk/hmdtmusic/trenchbrothers/   Photos: Clive Barda
In essence, the result is an opera for children, by children… Today we are looking back at our first commission, The Hackney Chronicles (2001), by leading British composer Johnathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton. The Hackney Chroni
In essence, the result is an opera for children, by children… Today we are looking back at our first commission, The Hackney Chronicles (2001), by leading British composer Johnathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton. The Hackney Chronicles, a children’s opera for primary schools to perform, follows Hackney’s history through four periods: the Anglo-Saxons, the Elizabethans, the Victorians, and the Blitz. In each month-long residency, two classes gained skills in performing, stage-managing, designing and marketing with the aid of a small professional team, whilst all their lessons used our accompanying cross-curricular resources supported by site visits to relevant museums. This structure launched our award-winning methodology of embedding the arts across all learning, in this instance helping children discover how history can be learnt in an artistic environment. The programme flourished for 5 years reaching 12 schools with each residency culminating in high quality performances and we still perform scenes from the opera with our I Can Sing! students. To find out more about The Hackney Chronicles, visit https://zurl.co/VFARu Photos: Ken Howard
In a time of segregation, when jazz and baseball flourished, a courageous group of men struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds… The first story in our 30th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with Shadowball our
In a time of segregation, when jazz and baseball flourished, a courageous group of men struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds… The first story in our 30th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with Shadowball our jazz opera and baseball project which premiered in 2010 and toured locally and nationally (Hackney Empire, The Drum, Sheffield Crucible) in 2011-12. Delivered in partnership with BaseballSoftballUK, Shadowball tells the stories of the black athletes in the Negro Leagues, who were not allowed to play in the Major Leagues until Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in 1947, and their jazz compatriots. Shadowball led to Julian Joseph becoming our patron, the creation of the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and the founding of I Can Sing! all of which continue to thrive today. To find out more about this ground-breaking project visit https://zurl.co/zbFKK or watch the story behind Shadowball on: https://zurl.co/Yu8aU Photos: Clive Barda
🎉Today is HMDT Music’s 30th birthday! 🎉 We’re extremely proud to be able to share our achievements over the past 30 years and celebrate our success in developing award-winning projects that have had a transformational impact on so many
🎉Today is HMDT Music’s 30th birthday! 🎉 We’re extremely proud to be able to share our achievements over the past 30 years and celebrate our success in developing award-winning projects that have had a transformational impact on so many people. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing a Retrospective of some of our ground-breaking projects and experiences here and on our website. Over the past 3 decades we have: • Worked with over 60,000 participants and reached around 100,000 audience members 👤 • Commissioned and performed over 130 new works 🎼🎶 • Received 3 national awards, 7 smaller ones and numerous nominations 🏆 • Worked with over 2,000 schools 🏫 • Delivered over 150,000 workshops, lessons, rehearsals and group sessions 💡 • Given over 750 performances 🎭 • Worked in 7 custody settings and with over 15 YOTs, Probations and PRUs 🏢 • Worked with over 150 partners in 17 different counties of England, over 15 London boroughs and 5 countries 🌍 Throughout, we have maintained our commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, community and inclusivity in our mission to offering all young people, particularly those most disadvantaged, inspiring opportunities to enrich learning and transform lives. Our thanks go to all the amazing funders, supporters, partners, artists, teachers, volunteers, staff and of course participants, who have helped us on our journey and enabled us to continue thriving despite the plethora of challenges facing arts organisations that we have overcome and continue to face. Thank you! Tertia Sefton-Green CEO
One Spirit has been shortlisted for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026! ✨ Since 2010, One Spirit has worked with young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, using music and creativ
One Spirit has been shortlisted for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026! ✨ Since 2010, One Spirit has worked with young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, using music and creative arts to help support and transform their lives. We are proud that this important programme which plays a crucial role in intervention is being recognised for its fantastic work, and would like to wish a huge congratulations to everyone involved with One Spirit!
We're delighted that two of our talented CYMH students have been participating in Next Generation, part of @London Symphony Orchestra 'On Track'. Guided by LSO, the young ensemble improvised and developed a unique piece of music which they then perfo
We're delighted that two of our talented CYMH students have been participating in Next Generation, part of @London Symphony Orchestra 'On Track'. Guided by LSO, the young ensemble improvised and developed a unique piece of music which they then performed at the Barbican Centre together with the London Symphony Orchestra. Their families shared how The Saturday Programme has helped prepare both their children for such opportunities: "My child first learned to play the flute at the Saturday Programme and is now working towards his Grade 6 exam. While his school orchestra, the LSO and mentoring from Guildhall students greatly enrich his exposure, his main learning comes from the Saturday Programme" "Much of his readiness for these opportunities stems from his experience learning bassoon at the Saturday Programme which gives him regular ensemble practice, encouragement to explore new repertoire, and the discipline needed to perform at a high level" We welcome players of all levels at our Saturday Programme, so visit https://zurl.co/gs4Gk to join us and expand your child's musical horizons! 🎶
On Tuesday, in celebration of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people, ‘The Power of Mentoring: NDYP Celebration Event’ brought together colleagues and young people from the fu
On Tuesday, in celebration of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people, ‘The Power of Mentoring: NDYP Celebration Event’ brought together colleagues and young people from the funded projects across London and shared the impact with key members of the youth sector through inspiring stories and amazing performances. We were thrilled to have two One Spirit participants perform at the event, with one participant, Kyrone, reflecting on his experience: "I was mad nervous, and then as the audio didn't play at the start I got even more nervous, like what am I supposed to do now. But somehow, I just kept talking and it was cool, the audience seemed to get behind me, which was good. Then the backing track started playing and I was ok. When I finished, I just felt gassed, it was such a good feeling. It's the first time I've ever performed live so I'm mad grateful for the chance and though I was cautious before, now I just want to be performing regularly". HMDT Music is proud to be part of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People, and of the crucial role that One Spirit plays in intervention, using music and creative arts to help support and transform the lives of the most vulnerable young people in our community, who are at risk of and/or already embroiled in the criminal justice system and consistently facing systematic discrimination and racial inequity.
Discover music in a way that works for everybody 🎵🌟 Music Treehouse offers children aged 2-25 with SEN/D the opportunity to develop their creative music-making, expression, communication, and social skills, working with a team of experienced music
Discover music in a way that works for everybody 🎵🌟 Music Treehouse offers children aged 2-25 with SEN/D the opportunity to develop their creative music-making, expression, communication, and social skills, working with a team of experienced musicians and renowned workshop leaders. Uniquely, we also offer the opportunity for individual sessions with a music therapist. "Music Treehouse has definitely developed my daughter’s love of playing and she can now play a tune and never stops singing!" - Music Treehouse Parent Music Treehouse returns for the Autumn Term on 27 September, so visit https://zurl.co/8wMTd (link in bio) and complete our application form to join us! 🔗 Photos: Abby Swain
Looking to create magical musical moments with your baby/ toddler? ✨ The Music Box provides the perfect opportunity for children under 4 to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience a variety of cultural and musical traditions through live gues
Looking to create magical musical moments with your baby/ toddler? ✨ The Music Box provides the perfect opportunity for children under 4 to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience a variety of cultural and musical traditions through live guest musicians, and develop their listening and communication skills in a relaxed environment. We also help you gain the confidence and skills to experiment and enjoy music making at home with your children! The Music Box is also a fantastic entry point to the Saturday Programme, enabling children to progress through our Fledglings and Minis Programmes. 📆 We have very limited spaces available for our Autumn Term so apply now at https://zurl.co/gJl7v to secure your place (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Clive Barda, Abby Swain
Calling young Jazzers! 🎷🎼 JJJA, a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to work with some of the world&
Calling young Jazzers! 🎷🎼 JJJA, a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to work with some of the world’s top jazz musicians to develop their creative talents and performance skills, through exploring the American roots of Jazz. Applications for JJJA are taken all year round from young people aged 11-25 and entry is by audition, which can be arranged through video submission throughout the academic year. 📆 Apply now to join for our Autumn Term, beginning on 20 September. For more info, visit https://zurl.co/3s3HQ (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Abby Swain
As September is #ClassicalMusicMonth, we're reminiscing about our CYMH Orchestra's performance of Matthew King's 'Odyssean Variations' in celebration of our 30th Anniversary this year with a behind the scenes glimpse of the rehearsal process. For yo
As September is #ClassicalMusicMonth, we're reminiscing about our CYMH Orchestra's performance of Matthew King's 'Odyssean Variations' in celebration of our 30th Anniversary this year with a behind the scenes glimpse of the rehearsal process. For young people aged 6+, the CYMH Instrumental Programme offers an extensive curriculum which includes both group and individual instrumental tuition, singing, musicianship and ensembles, as well as the Orchestra and Choirs of CYMH and Jazz Blues. 📆 CYMH returns on 20 September for the Autumn Term Find out more and apply now to join us at the Saturday Programme: https://zurl.co/wz4hz (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Abby Swain
Calling all budding young musical theatre performers! 🎭 I Can Sing! offers the opportunity to experience the excitement of Music Theatre training and performance in a singing, drama and dance, learning with leading professional artists to gain perf
Calling all budding young musical theatre performers! 🎭 I Can Sing! offers the opportunity to experience the excitement of Music Theatre training and performance in a singing, drama and dance, learning with leading professional artists to gain performance experience, confidence, new skills, and firm friendships. There is no audition process for I Can Sing! as we welcome students of all abilities. 📆 I Can Sing! returns on 20 September, so apply now at https://zurl.co/QCqaQ (link in bio) to secure your place for the Autumn Term! Photos: Abby Swain
This Autumn, let your child take flight in our Fledglings programme! 🐦🎶 Fledglings provides Reception students with an entry point to music learning at our Saturday Programme, introducing them to the joys of performing and expressing their emotion
This Autumn, let your child take flight in our Fledglings programme! 🐦🎶 Fledglings provides Reception students with an entry point to music learning at our Saturday Programme, introducing them to the joys of performing and expressing their emotions through song. In these sessions, they will test their wings with the fundamentals of music, and develop their musical understanding through their own personal musical instrument - their voice! 🎤 Find out more and apply now to secure your place for our Autumn Term: https://zurl.co/Z4PC7 (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Clive Barda, Abby Swain
Do you know a performer in the making? 🎭 Is your child showing interest in learning a musical instrument? 🎺 Our I Can Sing! Minis programme prepares children in Years 1 & 2 for both music theatre and instrumental studies. The Minis programme o
Do you know a performer in the making? 🎭 Is your child showing interest in learning a musical instrument? 🎺 Our I Can Sing! Minis programme prepares children in Years 1 & 2 for both music theatre and instrumental studies. The Minis programme offers the unique opportunity to develop all-round musicianship through vocal and movement stage performance sessions and group instrumental learning. 📆 Our Autumn Term begins on 20 September. Find more info and apply at https://zurl.co/IfMlP (link in bio) 🔗 Photos: Abby Swain
We’re excited to share some photos from our performance of Matthew King’s ‘Odyssean Variations’ on Saturday 12th July. We’re immensely proud of our I Can Sing! and CYMH students whose performance was testament to all of
We’re excited to share some photos from our performance of Matthew King’s ‘Odyssean Variations’ on Saturday 12th July. We’re immensely proud of our I Can Sing! and CYMH students whose performance was testament to all of the hard work they’ve put in throughout the last two terms. We were also delighted to be joined by internationally acclaimed virtuoso cellist @natalieclein and composer Matthew King, who shared their thoughts on the performance: “It was such a special evening... I loved doing it - it was such a joy and I was so impressed by all the students, tutors and Vahan!” - Natalie Clein “It was a terrific concert. I thought all the performers did brilliantly. It was very exciting to hear 'Odyssean Variations' again. Lovely to hear the singers in the first half too ... singing with real commitment” - Matthew King Photos: Abby Swain
He could not fight, and yet he fought His sacrifice was not for naught. He bravely yielded up his life A hero’s gift midst raging strife.   This #RemembranceDay, HMDT Music is reflecting on the service and sacrifice made by those who give In essence, the result is an opera for children, by children… Today we are looking back at our first commission, The Hackney Chronicles (2001), by leading British composer Johnathan Dove and librettist Alasdair Middleton. The Hackney Chroni In a time of segregation, when jazz and baseball flourished, a courageous group of men struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds… The first story in our 30th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth with Shadowball our 🎉Today is HMDT Music’s 30th birthday! 🎉 We’re extremely proud to be able to share our achievements over the past 30 years and celebrate our success in developing award-winning projects that have had a transformational impact on so many One Spirit has been shortlisted for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026! ✨ Since 2010, One Spirit has worked with young offenders in custody, the community, and those at risk in PRUs, using music and creativ We're delighted that two of our talented CYMH students have been participating in Next Generation, part of @London Symphony Orchestra 'On Track'. Guided by LSO, the young ensemble improvised and developed a unique piece of music which they then perfo On Tuesday, in celebration of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People delivering quality mentoring to over 100,000 young people, ‘The Power of Mentoring: NDYP Celebration Event’ brought together colleagues and young people from the fu Discover music in a way that works for everybody 🎵🌟 Music Treehouse offers children aged 2-25 with SEN/D the opportunity to develop their creative music-making, expression, communication, and social skills, working with a team of experienced music Looking to create magical musical moments with your baby/ toddler? ✨ The Music Box provides the perfect opportunity for children under 4 to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience a variety of cultural and musical traditions through live gues Calling young Jazzers! 🎷🎼 JJJA, a weekly Academy under the artistic direction of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph, offers talented young instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to work with some of the world& As September is #ClassicalMusicMonth, we're reminiscing about our CYMH Orchestra's performance of Matthew King's 'Odyssean Variations' in celebration of our 30th Anniversary this year with a behind the scenes glimpse of the rehearsal process. For yo Calling all budding young musical theatre performers! 🎭 I Can Sing! offers the opportunity to experience the excitement of Music Theatre training and performance in a singing, drama and dance, learning with leading professional artists to gain perf This Autumn, let your child take flight in our Fledglings programme! 🐦🎶 Fledglings provides Reception students with an entry point to music learning at our Saturday Programme, introducing them to the joys of performing and expressing their emotion Do you know a performer in the making? 🎭 Is your child showing interest in learning a musical instrument? 🎺 Our I Can Sing! Minis programme prepares children in Years 1 & 2 for both music theatre and instrumental studies. The Minis programme o We’re excited to share some photos from our performance of Matthew King’s ‘Odyssean Variations’ on Saturday 12th July. We’re immensely proud of our I Can Sing! and CYMH students whose performance was testament to all of